Monday, March 31, 2014

Today in the News Media

Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media.

The Interior Department is sending out a feeler for companies interested in harnessing wave power off the Pacific Northwest before allowing a Oregon State University project to advance. Companies that might want to pursue wave energy projects in the region will have until late June to file expressions of interest with the federal government.

A silicone wristband developed at Oregon State University absorbs day-to-day toxins, creating a readout of their levels. “Eventually, these bracelets may help us link possible health effects to chemicals in our environment,” Kim Anderson, a professor in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences said in a prepared statement. (see also King TV, Sustainable Business Oregon, Gazette-Times)

The impacts could hamper water resources down the roads. The report backs up other studies — including an Oregon State University analysis— that suggest by 2100, hundreds of millions of people could be displaced by coastal flooding and land loss.

The parent company acquired the technology from Voxtel, a Beaverton-based nanotechnology company. That technology promises to significantly reduce the cost of producing minute particles known as quantum dots. Ore­gon State University researchers teamed with Voxtel to develop the technology with state funding.

Oregon State University scientists have discovered a chemical compound that could be a safer alternative to treating autoimmune diseases, possibly bringing hope to people suffering from conditions caused by their immune system attacking their bodies.

A look through this Prism may be voyeurism. Angie Sremba, a researcher with Oregon State University’s the Marine Mammal Institute in Newport, Or., said that the Antarctic blue whale, highly threatened for extinction, might be making a comeback and more importantly, that evidence suggests that there may still be enough genetic diversity for these largest animals for a healthy return.

The southern end of the Cascadia fault, including the section hugging Crescent City’s coast, has seen more earthquakes than the northern end, and researchers from Oregon State University say there is a 40 percent chance of a mega-quake in the next 50 years.

Only 4 percent of the student population at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus comes from outside Oregon, but as the university plans for its expansion into a four-year college, it’s developing a plan to ensure international students play a big role on campus.

“Philosophy Talk,” which airs on Oregon Public Broadcasting affiliates and dozens of other public radio stations around the country, will record an episode titled “The New Surveillance Society: Big Brother Grows Up” on Wednesday night at Oregon State University.

FORBES previously wrote about how this new, strict system may have been the impetus for the Philadelphia Phillies tattling on its 2013 MLB Draft fifth round selection Ben Wetzler, who decided to decline the Phillies’ offer and return to Oregon State University for his senior season.

Volunteers and university administrators discussed Tuesday how it will be possible to get a high percentage of students to live on campus at the expanded Oregon State University-Cascades Campus on Bend’s west side.

Marina Puzakova (Oregon State University), Joseph F. Rocereto (Monmouth University) and Hyokjin Kwak (Drexel University) explored this area in a paper published by the International Journal of Advertising.

Michael Wing, an assistant professor in the College of Forestry, was one of the first people involved with the university’s push to bring drone research to OSU. Soon, unmanned helicopters will be counting trees, measuring height and determining volume in board feet, replacing manual calculations that have been the industry standard for decades.

Following the film is a panel discussion with Cristina Eisenberg, an Oregon State University professor of ecology, Brooks Fahy, executive director of Predator Defense, as well as representatives of the NRDC and Oregon Wild.

With checkoff support, Kaichang Li, Ph.D., an associate professor of wood science and engineering at Oregon State University, developed a soy-based, formaldehyde-free resin that bonds wood like a mussel to a wet rock.

It all began in the 1920s with food technologist Ernest Wiegand, a professor at what is now Oregon State University. Affectionately known as “Prof” to farmers, students and colleagues, Wiegand sought to solve concrete problems in food preservation — perfecting processes of freezing, canning and dehydrating produce.

Today’s “Best Reference Sources” can be found in reference and circulating collections, online, accessed on your laptop or iPhone, or even carried in your backpack. Law & Politics: The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Military and Diplomatic History. 2 vols. Oxford Univ. Chris Nichols (OSU) author. As part of the 12-volume, 3,500-entry Oxford Encyclopedia of American History, this two-volume topical set has 450 alphabetically arranged entries that focus on the diplomatic and military episodes, people, and ideas central to American history. From biographies of the key decision-makers to doctrines like Truman and key strategies, they’re described here along with 150 of the most important events and treaties, foreign relations, historiography, organizations, and government departments concerned with war and diplomacy. Comprehensive, authoritative, and current entries from leading scholars give you the real story not always found on the Internet.

Hiratsuka has taught printmaking and drawing at Oregon State University for 22 years. He spends a great deal of time on campus and tries to make time to work in his home studio. The inside of his workspace includes varied pieces of copper with drawings he carefully etched.

An Oregon State University professor who works in the 4-H Youth Conference and Education Center in West Salem will receive the National Science Teachers Association’s Distinguished Informal Science Educator Award next month.

The 66-year-old nurseryman at first thought it was a hoax but was stunned to see the fruits come true from seed. The tomatoes are believed to have been developed at Oregon State University, in America, forming part of their Indigo Rose project.

Most of the time, Carly Rathburn and her best friend, Emma Herdener, would blend into a crowd of their peers, say at Oregon State University. But a few times a year, they shed their respective identities as an OSU student and a veterinary technician to attend fan conventions. They dress as Disney princesses, favorite anime characters or maybe as the leading characters in action films and video games.

With all the conflicting research out there, fish oil is one of those things that’s hard to get a straight answer on — until now. That is, if you take the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy’s word for it.

Russ Karow, head of the Crop and Soil Science Department at Oregon State University, said legal and infrastructure issues most likely can be resolved, but not before farmers make crop planting choices this spring.

my at Sisters students Kelsey Seibo, 16, and Savannah Jackson, 16, look over at Kendall Burr, 18 as she holds up a paper after completing an activity at the 8th annual South County Girls Summit on Monday at La Pine High School. The activity, led by Woody Davis, an educator with the Oregon State University Extension Service, involved the girls closing their eyes and folding and tearing a paper based on instructions they heard.

Every seat was full yesterday, Wednesday, in Nuestra Casa’s ESL classroom. But it wasn’t your typical class, as chairs were huddled in makeshift circles for the Sunnyside non-profit’s ESL students to visit with students from Oregon State University and Seattle University.

A bill that would give the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center greater flexibility to move when needed is cruising toward a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the city of Hermiston continues to grow, Oregon State University might eventually consider relocating its local agricultural research station to accommodate further development.

Bend city councilors’ inboxes are overflowing with emails this week from supporters and opponents of the Oregon State University-Cascades Campus plan for a new location in southwest Bend. But people who want to bend a city councilor’s ear about the project are finding a cool reception.

Oregon State Men’s Basketball Head Coach Craig Robinson will remain in Corvallis for at least one more season. OSU Athletic Director Bob De Carolis sent out a letter of support for Robinson on Friday night, which seemingly affirms that Robinson will continue to coach the Beavers next season.

Oregon State University plant pathology professor and project co-director Richard Smiley said the top performing soft white wheat variety in the trials, both in yields and suppressing nematode reproduction, was the numbered line 08SB0658-B, which is being evaluated for release. He said WB Rockland, popular in southeast Idaho, has been the top performing hard red wheat variety, and WB 9576 has also tested well.

For at least a decade educators, business people and individuals in Central Oregon have been talking about a four-year university for our region. Talk turned to plans and plans turned to action. And today we have an opportunity to create an OSU-Cascade campus that will accommodate 3,000 to 5,000 students by 2025.

The Idaho-Oregon onion growing region is the nation’s largest in terms of total volume and kochia is a problem for many growers here, said Stuart Reitz, an Oregon State University cropping system Extension agent in Malheur County.

Monday

NEW! Mindfulness Meditation Mondays: The Mental Health Initiative is co-sponsoringMindfulness Meditation Mondays from March 31 to June 2 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. (Memorial Union Room 213, except March 31, which will be in room 211). Guest facilitators will be John Edwards, Chair, School of Psychological Sciences; Dee Denver, Professor of Zoology, Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing; Jim Gouveia, Emmy Woessner and Michele Ribeiro from Counseling and Psychological Services. This meditation time is part of the flourishing series that also hopes to create a contemplative community.

NEW! Coordinator for Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez: Open forums are being held for candidates in the coordinator search. These events are open to the public. Norma Cardenas will speak March 31, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.. Emanuel Magana will speak April 2, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Melisa Lopez will speak April 3, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. All forums will be held at Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez, 691 S.W. 26th St.

NEW! Student art reception: Please join us for the final day of the Art Student Exhibition in the main gallery, Monday, March 31, 4 to 5 p.m., in Fairbanks Gallery. You’ll see a sampling of student work from many classes including photography, painting, drawing, print making, encaustics, and sculpture. A light refreshment will be served to celebrate.

Chemical biology lecture: Weihong Tan, University of Florida, will be presenting a seminar on Monday, March 31, entitled “The Foundation of Molecular Medicine: A Chemical Biology Approach” in LPSC 402 at 4 p.m.

Upcoming Events

NEW! Transportation and parking update: The OSU community is invited to learn about upcoming changes and share feedback on the updated proposal for zonal parking on campus this fall. Meetings will be held at noon, April 3 in the Construction & Engineering Hall in the La Sells Stewart Center (which will be live-streamed at http://live.oregonstate.edu/.) and at 2 p.m., April 4 in the MULounge. Comments will be welcome at both meetings. For more information, please visit: http://parking.oregonstate.edu/zonal-parking

NEW! Evening Public Sale at the OSUsed Store: The OSUsed Store is open for our monthly evening public sale Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 644 SW 13th. Personal purchases must be made during public sales. Departments may shop 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, or during public sales on Wednesdays. More information on our website.

NEW! Performance artist Soomi Kim: OSU alum Soomi Kim, an award-winning actor and movement artist, will be speaking and performing on campus April 2-4. On April 2, 5 p.m., she will hold a workshop in the Lab Theatre in Withycombe Hall. On April 4, 7:30 p.m., she will give a performance and lecture in the Lab Theatre. Both events are open to the public.

NEW! Philosophy Talk: The nationally syndicated public radio show “Philosophy Talk” will visit OSU April 2 for a live taping. Show hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry, both of Stanford University, will discuss “The New Surveillance Society: Big Brother Grows Up.” Their guest will be Christopher McKnight Nichols of the OSU School of History, Philosophy and Religion. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Austin Auditorium at the LaSells Stewart Center. It is free and open to the public, and there will be an opportunity for audience participation.

NEW! Finding our Voice: Spoken Word and Storytelling Workshop: Facilitated by Climbing PoeTree, this interactive workshop surges from the collective wisdom and collaborative power of our communities, April 10, 3 to 5 p.m., Native American Longhouse. Participants will undergo a writing exercise that stretches the imagination to conceive of new possibilities for liberation, and co-create a group poem. Spaces are limited, RSVP at http://bit.ly/1iB8rcS

National Walking Day April 2: Come celebrate with a walk at Student Legacy Park. Walking Wednesday continues every Wednesday from 12:10-12:40 p.m. during Spring Term. Free for OSU community.

OSU Event Planners Tradeshow, April 8: Registration closes Tuesday, April 2 (click here to learn more or to register). The half day event begins with a keynote by Certified Speaking Professional—David Rabiner, How to Succeed, Stay Sane, and Have Fun at Work—A Survival Guide for the Road Weary. Immediately following is a vendor tradeshow, complimentary for all attendees—it’s ideal for anyone that supports planning efforts for events, large or small, public or private. Featured vendors will include: destination venues, local and regional caterers, entertainment providers, plus much more.

Lectures and Webinars

NEW! Environmental & Molecular Toxicology Seminar: Emily Ho, College of Public Health and Human Services, will be presenting a seminar, “Diet, epigenetics and prostate cancer prevention,” at noon April 2, in ALS 4001.

NEW! Social Media 4 Social Justice: Join the Coalition for Community Dialogue in exploring the role of social media in social justice movements. Through an examination of recent social media campaigns, we will seek ways to move our work into web-based communities and be in solidarity with other movements through this medium. Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Register at http://goo.gl/EjyKFs.

NEW! Conversational skills: Don’t miss the opportunity to register for Conversational Skills for Convening People and Influencing Decisions. We have space available in the April 16-17 session. This program is offered free to OSU staff and faculty. To register, visit http://oregonstate.edu/training/course_list.php?cat_id=33

NEW! Gatekeeper trainings: On behalf of the Suicide Risk Reduction Initiative at CAPS, Jim Gouveia, LCSW will be offering two Gatekeeper Trainings on Thursday, April 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. and Friday, May 16 from noon to 2 p.m. in the MU Journey Room. To sign up please visit: http://oregonstate.edu/counsel/features/gatekeeper-training A live recording of the Professional Development will also be available on the CAPS website starting March 31.

Beaver Family Connections Lunch and Learn: “Declutter/Destress with Queen B Organizing.” Bring your lunch and join a discussion on your child’s development and your family’s healthy and well-being. RSVP to familyresources@oregonstate.edu. April 1, noon, MU 208.

Cultural fluency workshops: The Linn-Benton Employer’s Partnership for Diversity invites pre-registration for two separate one-day cultural fluency workshops in April and May. Space is limited, so please register early (for one or both topics) by calling 541-766-6093 or emailing Rashad.brown@co.benton.or.us. Workshops include Navigating Difference Part 1, April 10 or May 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Personal Leadership, April 11 or May 2, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to OSU employees.

Two-Part Search Advocate Workshop Series at OSU-Cascades: Advocates help search committees avoid unconscious, unintentional biases, and enhance validity, diversity, and equity in the search/selection process. April 25 and May 2, in Bend. To be eligible to serve as a search advocate, you must complete both sessions. Continental breakfast and lunch are included in these interactive workshops. For more information: http://oregonstate.edu/training/course_list.php?cat_id=7

Living in a New, Colorful Materials World: College of Science Chemistry Professor Mas Subramanian will discuss the discovery of new pigments with energy-saving applications in the 2014 F.A. Gilfillan Memorial Lecture May 6 at 6:15 pm at the LaSells Stewart Center. Subramanian is the 2013 recipient of the F.A. Gilfillan Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Science recognizing College of Science faculty who have a record of distinguished scholarship and scientific accomplishments.

News for Employees

NEW!Registration is now open for the 2014 Natural Resources Leadership Academy. This year’s Natural Resources Leadership academy, an OSU Summer Session program, will be held June 15-20 and June 22-27 in Corvallis. This two-week intensive academy brings together natural resources professionals from around the world to learn, connect and inspire. Learn more and register online at http://outreach.oregonstate.edu/nrla.

NEW! NSF – Scalable Nanomanufacturing (SNM) Letters of Intent: The Research Office, Office for Research Development is requesting letters of intent for the NSF – SNM program. NSF announces a program on collaborative research and education in the area of scalable nanomanufacturing, including the long-term societal implications of the large-scale implementation of nanomanufacturing innovations. Guidelines for letters of intent: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/nsf-snm. Information: Mary Phillips at mary.phillips@oregonstate.edu. Deadline: April 21.

NEW! Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NSF-NUE) in Engineering request for letters of intent. The Office for Research Development is requesting letters of intent for the NSF – NUE in Engineering program. The program aims at introducing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches into undergraduate engineering education. Guidelines: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/nsf-nue. Information: Mary Phillips mary.phillips@oregonstate.edu. Deadline: April 4.

NEW! NSF – Cultivating Cultures for Ethical STEM (CCE STEM) Letters of Intent: The Research Office, Office for Research Development is requesting letters of intent for the NSF – CCE STEM program. The CCE STEM solicits proposals for research that explores the following: What constitutes ethical STEM research and practice? Which cultural and institutional contexts promote ethical STEM research and practice and why? Guidelines for letters of intent: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/nsf-cce-stem. Information: Mary Phillips at mary.phillips@oregonstate.edu. Research Office Deadline: April 21.

NEW! Orange Rewards: No April Fools, just a great deal! Starting April 1, current OSU staff and students can sign-up for the Orange Rewards program with a minimum deposit of just $25. Use your staff or student ID card at more than 25 restaurants and coffee shops on campus and get a 10 percent discount on every purchase. Learn more at the Orange Rewards website: http://oregonstate.edu/orangerewards.

NEW! Reminder: Applications for the GTA Mentors Program Due by April 1: The Center for Teaching & Learning is seeking motivated and qualified Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) to serve as mentors during the spring, summer, and fall of 2014. The GTA Mentors Program provides an opportunity for experienced GTAs to gain valuable teaching experience and participate in advanced trainings and professional development. All GTA Mentors will be compensated $250 in professional development funds upon completing their training and facilitation duties. For more information, please see the following link: GTA Mentors Application

Faculty Sessions with President Ray: In an ongoing effort to improve communication lines between the faculty and administration, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee is sponsoring two spring term small group conversations with President Ray and faculty (academic, research and professional). Each conversation will be facilitated by a Faculty Senate Executive Committee member and will consist of up to 12 faculty. This is an opportunity for the President to hear what faculty are thinking and experiencing; faculty are encouraged to speak freely. Register here https://secure.oregonstate.edu/facultysenate/reg/ray/ for either April 30 from 1:30-3 p.m. or May 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Session requests will be honored on a first come, first serve basis.

RecSports – Sponsor Friends & Family During Break: During Spring Break, Recreational Sports suspends the limit for sponsoring guests. That means that you can sponsor in as many guests as you would like for $6/day each! Bringing a large group? Call ahead and let us know you’re coming (541-737-3748).

Jobs

INTO Oregon State University (INTO OSU) is recruiting for an Analyst Programmer. The successful candidate must be able to work independently, think creatively to solve problems, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. This is a regular, 12-month, 1.0 (FTE) full-time position with an annual salary range of $40,000 to $45,000 (depending on experience), and a full benefit package including medical, dental, life/ADD, STD, and 401k. To review the full position description and qualifications please see the link listed. https://home2.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=11059722 For full consideration please apply by March 17. Closes March 31.

Office Specialist 2– Josephine County Extension office invites applications for a full-time, (1.0 FTE), Office Specialist 2 position position located in Grants Pass. Posting # 0012077. Closes April 15, with a full-consideration date of March 31.

Department Head – The Department of Crop and Soil Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE) position as head of the department. Posting #0011837. Closes March 31.

The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 9-month, Assistant/Associate Professor (Tenure-Track) in Forest Economics. Posting #0012071. For full consideration, apply by April 7. Closes May 4.

The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 9-month, Assistant/Associate Professor (Tenure-Track) in Forest Management. Posting #0012069. For full consideration, apply by April 7. Closes May 4.

Chemist 3, the Department of Chemistry at Oregon State University invites applicants for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month Chemist 3 position. Posting # 0012086. Full consideration date April 13. Open until filled.

4-H Camp Skills Instructors. The OSU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development program in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences is accepting applications for full-time summer job openings. Review the job descriptions at http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/. For more information email robin.galloway@oregonstate.edu

Traffic and maintenance

Washington Way Closed Through August 2014: Starting Monday, March 31: Washington Way between 15th and Benton Place will be turned over to the City for the road construction portion of the Washington Way Realignment Project. Construction is expected to continue through August, and aside from brief openings for special situations, the City has decided to keep this section of Washington Way closed.

Monroe Weniger lot: Due to a staging area for the Weniger/Gilbert Hallway Ceiling replacement project, five spaces on the east side of the Monroe Weniger lot will be closed through May 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sidewalk closure: Due to the installation of new water and power lines, the south sidewalk of Strand Ag will be closed from March 24 – Oct. 17 to accommodate for site work.

Ralph Miller Drive closure: Due to landscape/hardscape improvements being made on the south side of Gill Coliseum, parking along the north side of Ralph Miller Drive will be closed March 5- May 23. Also, portions of parking along the west side of Gill Coliseum will be closed at times to accommodate additional work.

Weather

Corvallis:“Come with me into the woods where spring is advancing, as it does, no matter what, not being singular or particular, but one of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.” – Mary Oliver. Rain today with a high of 55 and a low of 41. Showers likely tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Chance of snow in the morning and rain in the afternoon. High of 51, low of 30. Chance of rain and snow Tuesday.

Newport: Rain today and tonight. High of 51, low of 42. Chance of showers tomorrow.